Transform yourself.

Transform the World.

Thirsting for an education that matters, to you and the world? Yearn to dive into
a liberal arts program where you are exposed to the great intellectual traditions
of the West and East? Want to grow intellectually and professionally, within a rich
contemplative environment?

The pursuit of wisdom at Naropa University means learning both about academic subjects
and about one's own place in the world. The mission of contemplative education—combining
the best of Western and Eastern academic traditions—places Naropa on the cutting edge
of the newest and most effective methods of teaching and learning.

Our generous scholarship and financial aid packages make it possible for a diverse
range of students to attend Naropa. In fact more than 79% of our graduate students
and 70% of our undergraduates receive some kind of financial assistance.

Naropa University is a Buddhist-inspired, student-centered liberal arts university
in Boulder, Colorado. A recognized leader in contemplative education, Naropa's undergraduate
and graduate programs emphasize professional and personal growth, intellectual development,
and contemplative practice.

Life outside the classroom is a huge part of your experience at Naropa University. There
are numerous opportunities for you to get involved. Serve the community through a
service project, alternative break, or ongoing volunteer experience. There's an incredibly
vibrant community here at Naropa University. Get involved - create community!

Contemplative education has been at the core of the Naropa experience since our founding
in 1974 as a vision to bring together the best of Western scholarship and Eastern
world wisdom traditions. It combines three distinct educational approaches to deliver
the most innovative liberal arts education in America.

There are tons of ways to get involved, stay in touch and support Naropa. Whether
you are a prospective student, parent, alumnus or just interested in contemplative
education, we are here to answer your questions and keep you informed and connected.

Art Therapy Concentration

Contemplative Wisdom – Compassionate Action

Mission Statement of the Naropa University Art Therapy Program

The foundation of the Naropa University art therapy program is mindfulness meditation
training, studio art, and an integration of transpersonal, traditional, and community-based
approaches to counseling. Within an atmosphere of contemplative education including
respect for ethnic and cultural differences, students cultivate their introspective
wisdom while skillfully applying this awareness to their clinical work. Learners ultimately
develop flexible professional identities by participating in a studio-based practicum,
a clinical practicum, and a fulltime internship. Graduates work in multidisciplinary
teams, including social service agencies, community art studios, and with proper supervision,
in private practice. Additionally, graduates work as advocates addressing institutional
and social barriers that impede access, equity, and client success.

Approved by the American Art Therapy Association, Naropa University's Art Therapy program emphasizes the integration of intellectual
and emotional development with social and spiritual awareness.

"Transpersonal Art Therapy, as taught at Naropa, is both a perspective and a path.
As a perspective, it encourages one to hold and blend spiritual convictions with therapeutic
work. In terms of assessment and treatment, the transpersonal Art Therapist works
toward the balance of body, mind, emotions and spirit." -- Art Therapy faculty Mimi Farelly-Hansen and Michael Franklin

This practical approach begins with oneself. It is essential that the transpersonally
based Art Therapist be grounded, be open to the fruits of contemplative and creative
practices, and continue to strive for the integration of diverse viewpoints.

The Transpersonal approach to Art Therapy embraces a visionary perspective for the
field without ignoring traditional therapeutic applications of art and psychotherapy.
As flexible as the creative process itself, Transpersonal Art Therapy mindfully integrates
traditional and new paradigms with the wisdom of ancient spiritual systems. The discipline
of creating art, which has been the inspiration for the field, invites you to enter
into an authentic relationship with culture, self, process and product.

Integrating diverse perspectives, the Art Therapy concentration strives to support
your spiritual / contemplative, artistic and academic unfolding. The program features
an innovative learning environment that encourages your journey toward professional
and spiritual wholeness. This is accomplished through progressive approaches to the
field of art therapy as well as active participation with a sitting meditation practice.

As an Art Therapy program student, you'll do two practica and a full time internship
in your third year. During your first practicum in the Naropa Community Art Studio
(NCAS), you work with various community groups. You will also learn how to design,
create a community-based art studio. In your second year, you will do a clinical practicum
at a local or regional agency. And in your final year, you participate in a full-time
internship at a local or regional agency. In addition, you will have completed the
overall course work necessary to fulfill the postgraduation requirements for eventual
registration (ATR) with the American Art Therapy Association.